Is Poverty a Curse?

poverty is a curse bible verse

Poverty is not a curse. Specifically, God does not curse us with poverty if we do not pay tithes. Scripture demonstrates that God desires to bless his people (Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 5:1-28). To believe God would punish those who fail to give money to a church shows a misunderstanding of our creator’s nature.

THERE ARE PREACHERS, especially within the Prosperity Gospel movement, who claim that poverty is a curse. When they say poverty is a curse, it is often mentioned in conjunction with the Tithe Doctrine.

The Tithe Doctrine is false and says Christians must pay God 10 percent of their income.  According to some preachers, the curse of poverty is the consequence of not paying tithes.  While on the other hand, some preachers claim you must tithe to get out of poverty. However, when we rightly divide the scripture, we find that poverty is not a curse for Christians.

Wait! Ever wonder whether it’s better to give your tithes directly to the poor or the church? If so, I wrote an article for you that provides some SURPRISING insights on how to give.

Table of Contents

The Curse of Poverty

Major Point 1

Poverty is a curse related to the Law of Moses (or Mosaic Law).

  1. The Law of Moses is the covenant between God and ancient Israel.
  2. Lord dispensed blessings and curses based upon ancient Israel’s observance of the Law of Moses (Deut. 28).
  3. Poverty is one of the curses associated with breaking the Law of Moses.

Deut. 28:44

They will lend to you but you will not lend to them; they will become the head and you will become the tail! 

Deut. 28:51

Theywill devour the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your soil until you are destroyed. They will not leave you with any grain, new wine, olive oil, calves of your herds,or lambs of your flocksuntil they have destroyed you.

Major Point 2

Christians are not under a curse of poverty.

  1. Christians are redeemed from the Law through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  2. Jesus became a curse.

Gal. 3:13

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becominga curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).

Recap

Poverty is only a curse as it relates to the Law of Moses. There were many curses associated with disobeying the Law of Moses, and poverty was one of those curses. However, the curse of poverty was only placed upon ancient Israel if they disobeyed the Law of Moses.

Christians are not under the Law of Moses. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ freed you from the curse of the Law, which includes the curse of poverty. In fact, in his death, Jesus became a curse. Therefore, Christians living in poverty or experiencing material lack are not under a poverty curse. 

FAQs About the Curse of Poverty

What Is a Generational Curse of Poverty?

A generational curse of poverty in a Christian context refers to the belief that financial hardship and poverty can persist through multiple generations of a family due to disobedience or a curse. Some teachings connect this idea to Malachi 3:9 (KJV), which states, “Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” In this passage, God accuses the Israelites of robbing Him by not bringing their tithes and offerings.

However, it is crucial to note that many Christian theologians and scholars argue that the concept of generational curses, particularly related to tithing, does not apply to New Testament believers since Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). The belief in generational curses is controversial, and interpretations vary widely among Christian communities.

How To Break the Curse of Poverty?

Breaking the curse of poverty from a Christian perspective often involves spiritual and practical steps. Some Christians believe that faithfully paying tithes and giving offerings, as instructed in Malachi 3:10 (KJV):

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

They believe paying tithes can lead to financial blessings and break the curse of poverty. They interpret this verse as a promise from God to bless those who are obedient in their giving.

However, it is also essential to practice wise financial stewardship, including budgeting, saving, and investing, and seek education and opportunities for employment or business growth. Many Christian leaders emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s provision and taking responsibility for one’s financial well-being.

Understanding that these teachings’ interpretations vary among Christian communities is critical. Not all Christians believe in the concept of a curse of poverty or that tithing is a mandatory practice for financial blessing.

Is There a Prayer To Break the Curse of Poverty?

While there isn’t a specific “prayer to break the curse of poverty” mentioned directly in the Bible, many Christians believe in the power of prayer to bring change and deliverance in their lives, including finances.

They may pray for God’s blessing, wisdom, and guidance in managing their resources, making wise decisions, and seeking opportunities for financial stability. A commonly cited verse in such prayers is Philippians 4:19 (KJV), which says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

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